WAC 296-17A-5005

Classification 5005.

5005-00 Logging and/or tree thinning - Mechanized operations

(to be assigned only by classification services staff)

Applies to establishments engaged in mechanized logging or tree thinning operations. For purposes of this classification, mechanized logging is defined as the entire process of felling, removal (skidding), yarding, processing, delimbing, bucking and loading of trees or logs by machine.

When would your business qualify for this classification?

• If the entire side is being logged using methods and equipment described in this rule.

Typical equipment:

• Feller buncher;

• Forwarder;

• Grapple skidder;

• Harvester;

• Log loader;

• Processor.

All equipment used by employers subject to this classification must have a protective cab and is required to meet WISHA guidelines for roll over protection standards (ROPS) and falling object protection standards (FOPS).

Work in this classification includes, but is not limited to:

• Falling of trees with a machine such as a feller buncher or processor;

• Skidding logs to the landing with use of a grapple skidder or forwarder;

• Delimbing logs with a mechanized delimber such as a stroke delimber, processor, or harvester;

• Loading logs onto log trucks with a mechanized loader or shovel; and

• Operators who leave the cab of the machine to perform incidental maintenance on the machine or to cut debris out of the equipment.

What activities are not included in this classification?

• Operators who leave the cab of the machine to perform duties as part of a logging operation or falling and processing of any trees by hand (report in classification 5001).

• If any portion of the logging contract is performed manually or by hand, the establishment does not qualify for this classification (report in classification 5001 or 5005-01);

• If any portion of the logging contract is subcontracted out to another business and is performed manually or by hand, then none of the businesses involved in the logging contract will qualify for this classification (report in classification 5001 or 5005-01);

Applies to employees of a logging company that does not qualify as a mechanized operation, or firms who contract with logging firms to provide such equipment and operators to a logging side.

Typical equipment:

• Feller buncher;

• Forwarder;

• Grapple skidder;

• Harvester;

• Log loader;

• Processor;

• Tower.

All equipment used by employers subject to this classification must have a protective cab and is required to meet WISHA guidelines for roll over protection standards (ROPS) and falling object protection standards (FOPS).

Work in this classification includes:

• Operators who leave the cab of the machine to perform incidental maintenance of the machine or to cut debris out of the equipment.

What activities are not included in this classification?

• Operators who leave the cab of the machine to perform duties as part of a logging operation or falling and processing of any trees by hand (report those hours in classification 5001).

• Operators of machines that require the operator to routinely leave the cab during operation. For example; a skidder operator that must leave the cab to set chokers (report in classification 5001).

Special note: This classification does not apply to classification 5005-00 "logging and/or tree thinning - Mechanical operations" where logging activities are performed exclusively by machine and no employees are on the ground.